Ye Renxin's Request, Bringing the Breaking Clan into the Fold

In the lobby of the Pill Tower Headquarters, Ye Renxin was holding a thick ledger and walking quickly through the corridor.

He was dressed in a blue robe, his hair and beard were all white, yet he was vigorous and energetic. As he walked, his robes fluttered, giving him a somewhat otherworldly and ethereal air.

Since becoming the Pill Tower Master, he has had endless affairs to handle every day, including the procurement of medicinal materials, the sale of elixirs, liaison with councilors, and the management of the academy. He has to personally review every single one of them.

From a small, fledgling force, the Pill Tower has grown into a behemoth spanning the Heaven Dou Empire and radiating influence across the entire continent.

With over seventy councilors whose influence extends across various regions, the Pill Tower Academy has enrolled three classes of students. The blacksmithing, medicine, and alchemy departments each have their own responsibilities. The entire Pill Tower has nearly a thousand people, operating like a sophisticated machine.

And the core of this machine is Ye Renxin.

He sometimes lamented that after practicing medicine for most of his life, he had become a manager in his old age, dealing with ledgers, documents, and meetings every day, and was more than ten times busier than when he ran his clinic.

But strangely enough, he found these days fulfilling and meaningful, especially seeing those students from common backgrounds thriving in the Pill Tower Academy, and seeing the Pill Tower's pills help countless Soul Master. He felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction.

"Grandpa Ye!" A clear voice interrupted Ye Renxin's thoughts.

He looked up and saw Zhao Ming walking towards him from the direction of the secluded meditation chamber.

The young man stood tall and straight like a pine tree. His moon-white robe accentuated his handsome face and bright eyes. His aura was restrained and profound, and his every move exuded a calm and composed demeanor.

Ye Renxin looked Zhao Ming over, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He put down the ledger in his hand and quickly stepped forward. "Xiao Ming, you've broken through to the Soul Saint realm?"

Zhao Ming nodded with a smile, "Grandpa Ye, I have indeed broken through."

As he spoke, he flipped his right hand, and the Silver Whip Martial Soul appeared out of thin air in his palm.

Immediately afterwards, seven Soul Ring slowly rose from beneath Zhao Ming's feet, rotating gently around the Silver Whip.

Yellow, purple, black, black, black, red, red.

Ye Renxin stared blankly at the seven Soul Ring, speechless for a long time.

After a long while, he finally let out a long breath and said with deep emotion, "Your Soul Ring Configuration is astonishing no matter how many times I see it. The fifth Soul Ring is black with gold, and the sixth and Seventh Soul Ring are directly red. You are undoubtedly the number one genius in the Douluo Continent!"

Zhao Ming put away his Martial Soul and said with a somewhat embarrassed smile, "Just lucky, just lucky."

"Alright, stop pretending." Ye Renxin rolled her eyes and said irritably, "You're getting too cocky."

Though he said this, his eyes were full of satisfaction and pride. He had watched Zhao Ming grow up, from a gifted boy to a peerless genius who had broken through to the Soul Saint and possessed two Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring. This achievement was unprecedented in the entire history of the Douluo Continent.

"It just so happens that you've come out of seclusion. I need your help with something." Ye Renxin changed the subject, his expression becoming serious.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ming's smile faded, and he asked seriously, "What is it?"

"You know about the Four Single-Attribute Clans were originally affiliated sects of the Clear Sky Sect, right?"

Zhao Ming nodded.

The Four Single-Attribute Clans are the Strength Clan, the Defense Clan, the Speed Clan, and the Breaking Clan.

These four families were all subordinate forces of the Clear Sky Sect in the past, and enjoyed immense prestige during the Clear Sky Sect's heyday.

However, since the Clear Sky Sect was forced to close its mountain, the four major families have lost their backers and their lives have become more and more difficult.

"Yang Wudi of the Breaking Clan wants to join our Pill Tower," Ye Renxin said slowly. "But he's afraid that the other three clans and the Clear Sky Sect will hold a grudge against them and retaliate in secret."

I've discussed it with Yang Wudi, and we've decided to relocate the entire Breaking Clan to Heaven Dou City. To ensure everything goes smoothly, we'll have that old man Dugu Bo secretly escort them."

He paused, looked at Zhao Ming, a deep meaning flashing in his eyes. "Now that you've emerged from seclusion, it's a good opportunity for you and Dugu Bo to travel together. Don't you have a way to ensure the loyalty of those who Pill Tower? While you're at it, give Yang Wudi a taste of his own medicine."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ming instantly understood Ye Renxin's meaning. The Honesty Authority of his Second Soul Ring, the Treasure-Dropping Coin, was the best way to ensure loyalty.

"No problem." Zhao Ming readily agreed, "I'll go find Senior Dugu right away."

He turned and took two steps, then suddenly stopped, looked back at Ye Renxin, and said with some concern, "Grandpa Ye, your Soul Power has only increased by one level in the past three years. Have you been too busy? Perhaps..."

Ye Renxin waved his hand, interrupting him. "Alright, I know what I'm doing. It's true that you proposed the establishment of the Pill Tower, but you've become a hands-off manager. You can't possibly interfere with what I'm doing willingly, can you?"

He stroked his beard, a satisfied smile flashing in his eyes, "To be honest, in all my years, this is the first time I've felt that what I'm doing is so meaningful."

Seeing the Pill Tower grow stronger day by day, I feel at ease. As for my Soul Power cultivation, at the Titled Douluo level, each level is incredibly difficult to advance; three years to advance one level is already quite fast.

After a moment of silence, Zhao Ming solemnly bowed to Ye Renxin.

He didn't say anything more. Some things don't need to be said explicitly. He just kept it in mind and vowed to find a way to help Grandpa Ye improve his cultivation in the future to repay him for everything he had done for the Pill Tower over the past three years.

Dugu Bo is currently researching his New Poison Pill in the dean's office at the Pill Tower Academy.

Since becoming the dean of the Pill Tower Academy, Dugu Bo has been living a very comfortable life.

The college's affairs are handled by a dedicated teaching team; he only needs to make an occasional appearance and give a few lectures.

Most of the time, he stayed in his private Alchemy Room, researching all sorts of strange and unusual Poison Pill formulas.

When Zhao Ming found him, Dugu Bo was holding a Dark Green Pill in his hand, examining it closely in the sunlight.

"Senior Dugu." Zhao Ming knocked on the doorframe.

Dugu Bo looked up and his eyes lit up when he saw Zhao Ming: "Xiao Ming, you've come out of seclusion? Huh? You've broken through to Soul Saint? When did you acquire your Soul Ring?"

"I'll explain this to you later, Senior Dugu. Grandpa Ye asked me to go with you to the Breaking Clan to escort them to Heaven Dou City. They want to Pill Tower the Pill Tower as a whole."

"The Breaking Clan? That old codger Yang Wudi?" Dugu Bo put down the Poison Pill in his hand, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Why does he suddenly want to Pill Tower?"

"I don't know the specifics either; I'll find out when we get there," Zhao Ming said. "Grandpa Ye's intention is for me to ensure their loyalty, to prevent any future trouble."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. "Alright, I was just thinking of getting out and stretching my muscles. I'm cooped up in the Alchemy Room all day; my bones are practically rusting."

Without lingering, the two quickly packed their things and left Heaven Dou City.

Dugu Bo's current Soul Power cultivation has reached level ninety-five, and his flight speed is extremely fast.

He led Zhao Ming south, and in just one day and one night, they arrived at the settlement of the Breaking Clan.

The Breaking Clan's stronghold is located in a remote valley, surrounded by mountains, in a strategically important and treacherous location.

Large tracts of farmland have been cultivated in the valley, and rows of simple wooden houses are scattered at the foot of the mountain, with wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys, giving it a secluded, idyllic feel.

However, when Zhao Ming and Dugu Bo landed at the entrance of the valley, they found that the atmosphere there was a bit strange.

Several members of the Breaking Clan, armed with long spears, stood guard at the valley entrance, their expressions tense, as if facing a formidable enemy.

Upon seeing the two people descending from the sky, they were initially startled, but after recognizing Dugu Bo, they breathed a sigh of relief and quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.

"Greetings, Your Majesty Dugu!"

Dugu Bo waved his hand and asked, "Where is Yang Wudi?"

"The clan chief is waiting for you two in the Council Hall. Please follow me," a clansman said respectfully, turning to lead the way.

The so-called Council Hall was a rather grand-looking wooden house, but the furnishings inside were extremely simple, consisting of only a long table and a few chairs.

Yang Wudi was sitting in the main seat when he saw Dugu Bo and Zhao Ming enter, and he quickly got up to greet them.

Yang Wudi looked to be in his fifties, with a burly build, a resolute face, and a pair of piercing eyes.

His hands were covered in calluses, and his knuckles were thick, clearly indicating that he was someone who handled guns year-round. Although he was dressed simply, the aura he exuded was extremely sharp.

"Your Majesty Dugu, it's been a long time." Yang Wudi cupped his hands to Dugu Bo, his voice booming like a bell.

"Don't call me Your Majesty. You once helped me identify herbs, so you can be considered a friend. I'm a few years older than you, so just call me 'Brother'."

"Then I shall accept your offer, Brother Dugu."

"That's right, Brother Yang. This is Zhao Ming, an elder of our Pill Tower, one of the five councilors of the Pill Tower, and the most skilled alchemist in the Pill Tower."

Yang Wudi's gaze fell on Zhao Ming, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He had long heard that one of the five Permanent Councilor of the Pill Tower was an alchemist, whose alchemy skills were said to be superb, and that most of the miraculous pills auctioned by the Pill Tower were made by this person.

But he didn't expect that this legendary elder of the Pill Tower would be so young, looking no more than eighteen or nineteen years old.

"I have long admired Young Master Zhao's name, and meeting you today, I can confirm that your reputation is well-deserved," Yang Wudi said politely.

"Clan Chief Yang, you're too kind." Zhao Ming smiled slightly and asked directly, "Clan Chief Yang, I heard that you intend to lead the Breaking Clan to Pill Tower. May I ask what your considerations are?"

Yang Wudi remained silent for a moment, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

"To be honest," he said slowly, his voice tinged with bitterness, "Our Breaking Clan has not fared well these past few years."

After the Clear Sky Sect closed its mountain, we lost our biggest backer. Although the Spirit Hall did not openly attack us, many who wanted to curry favor with the Spirit Hall did take action against us.

Our people are bullied everywhere they go, and even hunting Soul Beast has to be done in secret, for fear of being targeted. If this continues, our Breaking Clan will eventually perish on this continent.

Therefore, I decided to lead the Breaking Clan to Pill Tower. My Breaking Clan is skilled in alchemy, which makes us a good fit for the Pill Tower.

Moreover, the Pill Tower does not participate in continental conflicts, but only deals in elixirs, which coincides with the future development direction of our Breaking Clan. For our Breaking Clan, the Pill Tower is the best destination.

After listening, Zhao Ming nodded slightly. Yang Wudi's words were reasonable and he could not see any flaws in them.

But he didn't completely believe it. After all, people's hearts are unpredictable, and who knew if Yang Wudi had other plans in mind?

"Clan Chief Yang, the Pill Tower welcomes any Soul Master sincerely wishes to join," Zhao Ming said slowly, his gaze calmly meeting Yang Wudi's. "However, to ensure the safety of the Pill Tower, we need all members of the Breaking Clan to Martial Soul Oath before joining."

As he spoke, Zhao Ming flipped his right hand, Treasure-Dropping Coin appeared out of thin air in his palm.

At the same time, the second golden Soul Ring slowly rotated, emanating a solemn and sacred aura.

"This is my Second Martial Soul, the Treasure-Dropping Coin. Its Second Soul Ring can communicate with heaven and earth and witness all vows."

Martial Soul Oath made before the Honesty Authority will be bound by heaven and earth; if it is violated, heaven and earth will naturally bring down punishment.

Yang Wudi looked at the brilliant golden Soul Ring, his expression somewhat hesitant.

But in the end, he gritted his teeth and said, "I understand. I, Yang Wudi, act with integrity and uprightness. Since I have decided to Pill Tower, I will never have any second thoughts. I, the Breaking Clan, am willing to swear the Martial Soul Oath."

Zhao Ming nodded, his opinion of Yang Wudi rising even higher.

The fact that this person can accept the Martial Soul Oath so readily shows that he is truly open-minded and has no ulterior motives.

Over the next two days, Zhao Ming, with the Honesty Authority of the Treasure-Dropping Coin, witnessed the Martial Soul Oath of all 372 members of the Breaking Clan.

Every member of the Breaking Clan, regardless of age or gender, swore an oath with their Martial Soul under the witness of the Honesty Authority: to be loyal to the Pill Tower, never to betray it, and never to do anything that would harm the Pill Tower.

The moment the last member of the clan swore his oath, the brilliant Golden Soul Ring on the Treasure-Dropping Coin suddenly emitted a dazzling light.

The three hundred and seventy-two vows transformed into three hundred and seventy-two golden threads, shooting out from between the brows of each clansman, converging into the Treasure-Dropping Coin, and condensing into an invisible contract under the witness of the Honesty Authority, imprinted between heaven and earth.

From this moment on, if anyone breaks their oath, the Honesty Authority will communicate with heaven and earth to bring down punishment. At best, their Martial Soul will be damaged; at worst, their Martial Soul will be shattered, and they will die and their soul will be destroyed.

"Young Master Zhao, Brother Dugu, from this day forward, my Breaking Clan belongs to the Pill Tower," Yang Wudi said solemnly.

"Welcome to the Pill Tower." Zhao Ming smiled slightly and extended his right hand.

Yang Wudi grasped Zhao Ming's hand, shook it vigorously, and smiled.

The relocation is proceeding smoothly.

The Breaking Clan had lived in the valley for many years. Although they lived a poor life, they had accumulated a lot of belongings, which filled over a hundred large carts.

Dugu Bo escorted them the entire way, unabashedly releasing the aura of a level 95 Titled Douluo. Soul Beast within a radius of dozens of miles all retreated in fear, and they didn't even encounter a single bandit trying to rob them along the way.

After a five-day journey, the Breaking Clan's caravan finally arrived at Heaven Dou City.

Ye Renxin had already arranged accommodations for them in a newly built residential area next to the Pill Tower Academy.

This residential area was specially prepared by Ye Renxin for the core members of the Pill Tower. The houses are spacious and bright, and the streets are clean and tidy. Compared with the wooden houses where the Breaking Clan used to live, it is like heaven and earth.

Yang Wudi looked at his new home, his eyes slightly reddening.

He turned and bowed deeply to Ye Renxin and Zhao Ming: "Tower Master Ye, I am deeply grateful. From this day forward, my Breaking Clan is willing to go through fire and water for the Pill Tower without hesitation."

Ye Renxin quickly helped Yang Wudi up and said with a smile, "Clan Chief Yang, you're too kind. From today onwards, the Breaking Clan is a part of the Pill Tower. We are of one mind and share the same fate."